A new poll shows that 75% of Californians think the state's going in the wrong direction. What will that mean for gubernatorial candidates in next year's election? Also, how close is the state to running out of money? On our rebroadcast of To the Point, on Tuesday, President Obama was "cautiously optimistic" about his Christmas Eve deadline for healthcare reform from the Senate. Since then, a "kill-the-bill" movement's been gaining force among Democrats.

FROM THIS EPISODE

Some candidates for Governor have been spending big money, but voters are worried about jobs and the economy. We get a rundown with the primaries just six months away. Also, how close is California to running out of money? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, on Tuesday, President Obama was "cautiously optimistic" about his Christmas Eve deadline for healthcare reform from the Senate. Since then, a "kill-the-bill" movement's been gaining force among Democrats. We get a progress report

The President and Democratic leaders have an agenda for healthcare reform. Pass the Senate version by Christmas Eve; pass a compromise out of both Houses for a White House signing ceremony before the State of the Union Address in late January or early February.

The world's eighth largest economy is at risk of falling behind because California spends too little on education to maintain a competitive workforce. The state is threatened with both flooding and drought. Its roads and highways are the second worst in the nation. Voters will be asked to pass water bonds next year; education and transportation bonds may be next. But if they pass, will the taxpayers have the money to pay them off? State Treasurer Bill Lockyer is in charge of the money.

Half of all adult Californians are worried that they or somebody in the family will lose their job next year. Sixty-five percent are afraid they won't have the money to pay the rent or the mortgage. That's according to the latest survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. President Mark Baldassare says, "Voters have more immediate concerns than who is going to be the next governor." But the primary contests are just six months away, so we're duty bound to report what the same poll showed about three Republican candidates and one Democrat who has yet to announce.